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Abstract:

An apparatus, system and method are presented for scanning items
presented to an assisted hybrid optical code scanner where the scanner
includes a handheld imaging scanner located on the customer side of the
hybrid scanner. When docked with the hybrid scanner, the handheld imaging
scanner is used with a fixed laser scanner to read optical codes. When
undocked, the handheld imaging scanner is used to scan items not easily
presentable to the hybrid scanner.

Claims:

1. An assisted hybrid bar code scanner where a handheld imaging scanner
reads bar codes presented to the hybrid bar code scanner when the
handheld imaging scanner is not being used by a customer to read bar
codes not presented directly to the hybrid bar code scanner, the hybrid
bar code scanner comprising: a handheld imaging bar code scanner
comprising an image capture device where the image capture device
receives images from a first image path; and a fixed laser bar code
scanner in communication with the handheld scanner, the fixed scanner
including: an operator facing scanning window through which a laser beam
is directed to read bar codes presented to the hybrid bar code scanner
for reading; a customer facing window; a cradle located on the customer
facing side of the hybrid bar code scanner for lockably mounting the
handheld scanner in a predetermined orientation; and an optical assembly
configurable between a first and a second position where the assembly
when in the first position receives a first image from a predetermined
second image path that extends through the operator facing scanning
window and directs the first image to the handheld scanner along the
first image path and when the assembly is in the second position receives
a second image from a predetermined third path that extends through the
customer facing window and directs the second image to the handheld
scanner along the first image path.

2. The hybrid bar code scanner of claim 1, further comprising a first
operator input device where activation of the device causes the cradle to
unlock and release the handheld imaging scanner when the handheld imaging
scanner is locked in the cradle.

3. The hybrid bar code scanner of claim 2, further comprising a second
operator input device where activation of the device causes the optical
assembly to be configured to the second position.

4. The hybrid bar code scanner of claim 1, wherein the handheld imaging
scanner is tethered to the fixed laser bar code scanner and the tether
includes wires that provide power and communications between the fixed
laser bar code scanner and the handheld imaging scanner.

5. The hybrid bar code scanner of claim 1, wherein the handheld imaging
scanner includes a battery and a wireless communications device where the
battery powers the handheld imaging scanner and the handheld imaging
scanner communicates with the fixed laser bar code scanner using the
wireless communications device.

6. The hybrid bar code scanner of claim 5, wherein the cradle include a
battery charging device that charges the battery in the handheld imaging
scanner when the handheld imaging scanner is locked in the cradle.

7. The hybrid bar code scanner of claim 6, further including a distance
detection device where when the handheld imaging scanner is removed from
the cradle, the distance detection device determines the distance the
handheld imaging scanner is moved from the fixed laser bar code scanner
and sounds an alarm when the distance exceeds a predetermined distance.

8. The hybrid bar code scanner of claim 1, wherein the handheld imaging
scanner uses the image capture device to capture images where the images
include bar codes, coupons, identification documents and faces of
customers and where the images are communicated to the laser bar code
scanner.

9. The hybrid bar code scanner of claim 8, where the captured images of
bar codes include one dimensional and two dimensional bar codes.

10. The hybrid bar code scanner of claim 1, wherein the cradle includes a
locking device where when activated the locking device secures the
handheld imaging scanner in the cradle in a predetermined position.

11. A method for reading bar codes implemented by a computer in an
assisted hybrid bar code scanner, the method comprising: configuring an
optical assembly to a first position that directs images at a handheld
imaging bar code scanner from a predetermined first image path that
extends through an operator facing scanning window; receiving first bar
code data, captured by the handheld scanner docked to the hybrid bar code
scanner, including an image of a first bar code presented to the operator
side of the hybrid bar code scanner where optical assembly directs the
image to the handheld scanner from the first image path; receiving second
bar code data, collected by a fixed laser scanner, where the data
includes information indicating the amount of laser light reflected from
the first bar code as the first bar code is presented to the operator
side of the hybrid bar code scanner; reading the first bar code by
processing the first and second bar code data; configuring the optical
assembly to a second position that directs images at the handheld imaging
bar code scanner from a predetermined second image path that extends
through a customer facing scanning window; receiving third bar code data,
captured by the handheld scanner docked to the hybrid bar code scanner,
including an image of an item presented to the customer side of the
hybrid bar code scanner where optical assembly directs the image to the
handheld scanner from the second image path; and receiving fourth bar
code data captured by the handheld scanner where the handheld scanner is
undocked from the hybrid bar code scanner.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the item presented to the customer
side is a customer identification document.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the document includes a bar code that
includes age information for the customer.

14. The method of claim 11, therein the third image includes an image of
a second bar code.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising receiving a first operator
input where the first operator input requests that the optical assembly
be configured to the second position.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising detecting the presence of
the handheld scanner and locking the handheld scanner into the hybrid bar
code scanner.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising receiving a second
operator input where the second operator input requests unlocking the
handheld scanner from the hybrid bar code scanner.

18. An assisted point of sale terminal comprising; a computer; a cash
drawer; an operator display; and a hybrid optical code scanner
comprising: a handheld imaging scanner comprising an image capture device
where the image capture device receives images from a first image path;
and a fixed laser bar code scanner in communication with the handheld
imaging scanner, the fixed scanner including: an operator facing scanning
window through which a laser beam is directed to read bar codes presented
to the hybrid bar code scanner for reading; a customer facing window; a
cradle located on the customer facing side of the hybrid optical code
scanner for lockably mounting the handheld scanner in a predetermined
orientation; and an optical assembly configurable between a first and a
second position where the assembly when in the first position receives a
first image from a predetermined second image path that extends through
the operator facing scanning window and directs the first image to the
handheld scanner along the first image path and when the assembly is in
the second position receives a second image from a predetermined third
path that extends through the customer facing window and directs the
second image to the handheld scanner along the first image path.

19. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium including
instructions that when executed by a processor in an assisted hybrid
scanner cause the processor to: configure an optical assembly to a first
position that directs images at a handheld imaging bar code scanner from
a predetermined first image path that extends through an operator facing
scanning window; receive first bar code data, captured by the handheld
scanner docked to the hybrid bar code scanner, including an image of a
first bar code presented to the operator side of the hybrid bar code
scanner where optical assembly directs the image to the handheld scanner
from the first image path; receive second bar code data, collected by a
fixed laser scanner, where the data includes information indicating the
amount of laser light reflected from the first bar code as the first bar
code is presented to the operator side of the hybrid bar code scanner;
read the first bar code by processing the first and second bar code data;
configure the optical assembly to a second position that directs images
at the handheld imaging bar code scanner from a predetermined second
image path that extends through a customer facing scanning window;
receive third bar code data, captured by the handheld scanner docked to
the hybrid bar code scanner, including an image of an item presented to
the customer side of the hybrid bar code scanner where optical assembly
directs the image to the handheld scanner from the second image path; and
receive fourth bar code data captured by the handheld scanner where the
handheld scanner is undocked from the hybrid bar code scanner.

Description:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a hybrid optical code
scanner. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to
an apparatus, system, and method for scanning one or more items with a
hybrid optical code scanner that includes a handheld imaging scanner
located on the customer facing side of the hybrid optical code scanner.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should
in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely
known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] Point of sale (POS) terminals are commonly used throughout the
retail industry to process purchase transactions. A POS terminal
typically includes a personal computer (PC) core and chassis, one or more
displays, a fixed optical code scanner and weigh scale, a cash drawer, a
magnetic stripe reader (MSR), keyboard and a printer. An assisted POS
terminal has an operator that is trained to use the POS terminal and to
process purchase transactions using the POS terminal.

[0004] In a typical purchase transaction, where an assisted POS terminal
is used, a customer brings one or more items for purchase to the POS
terminal and the operator presents each item to POS terminal, which scans
and identifies the item. Some items are too large or heavy or
inconvenient (non-presentable items) to be physically presented to the
fixed optical code scanner for identification. For these types of items,
some POS terminals have a second portable handheld optical code scanner.
When the operator identifies a non-presentable item, the operator will
physically take the handheld optical code scanner to the location of the
item and manual scan the optical code on the item for identification.
This process has several limitations. It is time consuming since the
operator must move from the operator side of the POS terminal to the
customer side in order to gain access to the item. Once the item is
scanned, the operator must then return back to the operator side to
continue the purchase transaction. In addition, since the handheld
optical code scanner is mainly used to scan non-presentable items, it has
limited functionally and a low duty cycle.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a hybrid optical code scanner that
provides a more efficient use of a handheld optical code scanner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate
at least one of the identified limitations, or to provide a useful
alternative.

[0007] Among its several aspects, the present invention recognizes a
condition in an assisted POS terminal where a handheld imaging optical
code scanner has a low duty cycle and is positioned in a location that is
conveniently accessible only to a trained operator of the POS terminal.

[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a handheld imaging optical code scanner positioned for
convenient access by a customer using an assisted checkout POS terminal.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a hybrid optical code scanner that is part of an assisted
checkout POS terminal. The hybrid optical code scanner includes a fixed
laser scanner integrated with a dockable handheld imaging scanner where
the handheld imaging scanner scans full time when docked with the hybrid
optical code scanner.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the
handheld imaging scanner is located on the customer facing side of the
hybrid optical code scanner.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the
hybrid optical code scanner includes an optical assembly that directs
images to the handheld imaging scanner, when it is docked. The optical
assembly includes a mirror movable between two positions where a first
position directs images received from an operator facing side and a
second position directs images received from a customer facing side of
the hybrid optical code scanner to the handheld imaging scanner.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, there is provided an assisted hybrid bar
code scanner where a handheld imaging scanner reads bar codes presented
to the hybrid bar code scanner when the handheld imaging scanner is not
being used by a customer to read bar codes not presented directly to the
hybrid bar code scanner, the hybrid bar code scanner comprising: [0013]
a handheld imaging bar code scanner comprising an image capture device
where the image capture device receives images from a first image path;
and [0014] a fixed laser bar code scanner in communication with the
handheld scanner, the fixed scanner including: [0015] a operator facing
scanning window through which a laser beam is directed to read bar codes
presented to the hybrid bar code scanner for reading; [0016] a customer
facing window; [0017] a cradle located on the customer facing side of the
hybrid bar code scanner for lockably mounting the handheld scanner in a
predetermined orientation; and [0018] an optical assembly configurable
between a first and a second position where the assembly when in the
first position receives a first image from a predetermined second image
path that extends through the operator facing scanning window and directs
the first image to the handheld scanner along the first image path and
when the assembly is in the second position receives a second image from
a predetermined third path that extends through the customer facing
window and directs the second image to the handheld scanner along the
first image path.

[0019] A more complete understanding of the present invention, as well as
further features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from
the following Detailed Description and the accompanying Drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The aspects of the claimed invention can be better understood with
reference to the drawings and the detailed description. The drawings are
not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout the drawings, like element
numbers are used to describe the same parts throughout the various
drawing figures and charts.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a high-level drawing illustrating an exemplar embodiment
of a hybrid scanner.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a high-level block diagram illustrating an exemplar
embodiment of a hybrid scanner.

[0023] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional drawing illustrating an exemplar
embodiment of a hybrid scanner.

[0024] FIG. 3B is cross-sectional drawing further illustrating the
exemplar embodiment of the hybrid scanner 100 depicted in FIG. 3A.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a high-level drawing illustrating an exemplar embodiment
of a POS terminal including a hybrid scanner.

[0027] In the following description, numerous details are set forth to
provide an understanding of the claimed invention. However, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that the claimed invention may be
practiced without these details and that numerous variations or
modifications from the described embodiments are possible.

[0028] The claimed invention is described in combination with a POS
terminal. However, other embodiments are envisioned where the invention
is a stand-alone hybrid optical code scanner or combined with other
devices that require reading optical codes. As used herein, optical codes
include optical machine-readable representations of data and optical
human-readable symbols. Optical codes include but are not limited to
symbols, text and bar codes. Furthermore, bar codes include but are not
limited to one-dimensional and two-dimensional bar codes.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is provided a high-level drawing
illustrating an exemplar embodiment of a hybrid optical code scanner 100
(hybrid scanner). A hybrid scanner uses a combination of two different
types of scanning technology to read optical codes presented to the
hybrid scanner. In the present invention, the hybrid scanner 100 uses
scanning technologies based on a laser and on imaging.

[0030] The hybrid scanner 100 includes a laser based bi-optic scanner 105
and an imaging based handheld scanner 110. The bi-optic scanner 105
includes a horizontal scanning window 135 and vertical scanning window
120. The horizontal scanning window 135 is housed in a horizontal housing
component 130 of the bi-optic scanner 105. The vertical scanning window
120 is housed in a vertical housing component 115 of the bi-optic scanner
105. The side of the vertical housing component 115 that houses the
vertical scanning window 120 is known as the front and faces the operator
of the hybrid scanner 100. The horizontal scanning window 135 also faces
the operator.

[0031] The bi-optic scanner 105 directs one or more laser beams through
the vertical scanning window 120 and the horizontal scanning window 135.
When a directed laser beam strikes an object presented to the hybrid
scanner 100, the object reflects a portion of the laser light. Some of
the reflected laser light passes back through one of the scanning windows
(120 or 135) and is directed to a photo detector that produces electrical
signal data proportional to the amount of light received. The data is
processed to detect the presence of an optical code and to recover the
information associated with the optical code.

[0032] The handheld scanner 110 includes an image capture device. Images
captured by the image capture device are processed and optical codes
within the images are detected and information associated with each
optical code is recovered. The handheld scanner 110 is portable and can
be moved to an area where an optical code is located rather having to
move the optical code to a scanner. This especially helpful when objects
for scanning are heavy, large, fragile or it inconvenient to present the
object. The handheld scanner 110 is also used to capture images of
documents or people. The types of documents include forms of
identification and coupons.

[0033] The bi-optic scanner 105 includes operator input devices in the
form of two buttons (125, 140).

[0034] In other embodiments, the hybrid scanner 100 uses a single window
laser scanner instead of a bi-optic laser scanner 105. In some
embodiments, a weigh scale is included in the horizontal portion 130 of
the scanner.

[0035] FIG. 2 provides a high-level block diagram illustrating an exemplar
embodiment of the hybrid scanner 100. The hybrid scanner 100 includes the
bi-optic scanner 105 and the handheld imaging scanner 110. The bi-optic
scanner 105 includes a processor module 205 which includes a processor
210, a memory 215 and control circuitry 220. The memory 215 includes both
volatile and non-volatile memory. The processor 210 executes software
stored in the memory 215 which causes the processor 210 to control the
elements of the hybrid scanner 100 to implement the features and
functions of the hybrid scanner 100.

[0036] The software stored in the memory 215 is transferred to the memory
215 from a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. Many
different types of storage mediums can be used to store the software. In
some embodiments, the storage medium is part of or attached to a fixed
computer such as a computer server or a portable computing device such as
a laptop computer, a pad device, or a smart phone. The types of storage
mediums include rotating magnetic disks, rotating optical disks, solid
state drives, and solid state memory devices. Solid state memory devices
are based on solid state memory devices that retain stored data when
power is removed. Solid state memory devices include memory sticks, flash
drives, and SD cards. The software is transferred from a storage medium
to the memory 215 over any of many different types of computer buses and
digital networks. For example, a USB memory stick can be connected to a
USB port and the software transferred over the USB bus to the memory 215.
In another example, software stored in a smart phone is transferred to
the memory 215 over a Bluetooth (or other wireless) network when the
smart phone is located near the bi-optic scanner 105. In another example,
software is stored on a disk drive attached to a computer server and is
transferred over a network (e.g., the Internet and an intranet or
combination of the two) to the memory 215. The network can be either a
wired network or a wireless network or combination of both.

[0037] The control circuitry 220 includes hardware interfaces between the
processor 210 and the memory 215 and between the processor 210 and a bus
240 used to communicate with other elements of the hybrid scanner 100.
The bi-optic scanner 105 further includes a laser diode 225, a laser
detector 230, an operator interface 255, a communications controller 235,
an optical assembly 245, a battery charger 250 and a solenoid 260.

[0038] The laser diode 225 generates a laser beam that is, at different
times, directed through the vertical scanner window 120 and the
horizontal scanner window 135 to read optical codes presented to the
bi-optic scanner 105. Laser light reflected from optical codes presented
to the bi-optic scanner 105 is directed to the laser detector 230. The
laser detector 230 is a photo detector that converts received light to
electrical signals.

[0039] The optical assembly 245 includes a mirror (FIG. 3A, 305) that
directs images to the handheld scanner 110 from a plurality of
directions. Each direction defines an image path. The processor 210
controls the optical assembly 245 and determines which and when to direct
an image path at the handheld scanner 110.

[0040] The battery charger 250 charges a battery in the handheld scanner
110 when it is docked with the bi-optic scanner 105. In some embodiments,
the battery charger 250 provides status, readable by the processor 210,
which indicates the handheld scanner 110 is docked to the bi-optic
scanner 105.

[0041] The solenoid 260 is used to lock the handheld scanner 110 in place
when it is docked with the bi-optic scanner 105. Locking the handheld
scanner 110 in place prevents the unauthorized removal of the handheld
scanner 110. In some embodiments, the solenoid 260 detects when the
solenoid 260 has properly locked handheld scanner 110 in place.

[0042] The communications controller 235 includes a wireless
communications device that communicates over the network 265 with the
handheld scanner 110. The communications controller 235 also communicates
with a point of sale terminal (not shown) over a different network. In
some embodiments, the communications controller 235 includes a wired
communications device that communicates over a wire to the handheld
scanner 110. In some embodiments, the communications controller 235
supports a USB controller (not shown) that provides a method of
communicating with the point of sale terminal and other peripherals.

[0043] The operator interface 255 includes a speaker that produces audible
sounds associated with different functions to communicate with an
operator. The operator interface 255 also receives input from the
operator input devices which includes the first button 125 and the second
button 140. A notice is sent to the processor 210 whenever either button
(125, 140) is activated.

[0044] Turning to FIG. 3A, there is provided a cross-sectional drawing
illustrating an exemplar embodiment of the hybrid scanner 100. The
handheld scanner 110 is docked in a cradle 315, which is part of the
vertical housing component 115. The cradle 315 is located on a customer
facing side of the hybrid scanner 100. A customer facing side includes
surfaces or portions of surfaces of the hybrid scanner 100 that may not
directly face a customer but are located closer to the customer side than
the operator side of the hybrid scanner 100.

[0045] In some embodiments, the design of the handheld scanner 110 and the
cradle 315 will only permit the insertion of the handheld scanner 110
into the cradle 315 when the handheld scanner 110 is properly aligned
with the cradle 315. That is, only one orientation of the handheld
scanner 110 to the cradle 315 that will result in proper alignment and
docking of the handheld scanner 110.

[0046] The handheld scanner 110 includes a window 355. Images pass through
the window 355 and are focused onto the image capture device 360 where
they are captured. When the handheld scanner 110 is docked in the cradle
315, the optical assembly 245 positions the mirror 305 to direct images
along a first image path 310 through the window 355 to the image capture
device 360. The mirror 305 is movable between at least two positions.
When the mirror 305 of the optical assembly 245 is in a first position
370 (as shown in FIG. 3A), it receives images along a second image path
345 that extends from the mirror 305 through the vertical scanning window
120 to area above the horizontal scanning window 135. In this example, a
bar code 325 is located in this area and an image of the bar code 325 is
directed back to the handheld scanner 110 for capture, processing and
decoding of the bar code 325.

[0047] The hybrid scanner 100 has a customer side that includes a first
side 320 and a second side 365. These sides generally face the customer
and are located closer to the customer than the operator. The first side
320 includes a customer facing window 300.

[0048] The solenoid 260 also includes a pin 340 that is extended into the
handheld scanner 110 to lock in place in the cradle 315. The solenoid 260
is controlled by the processor 210 and can be commanded to extend the pin
340 to lock or retract the pin 340 to unlock the handheld scanner 110. In
some embodiments, the handheld scanner 110 is locked in place using other
methods such as an electro-magnet.

[0049] FIG. 3B is cross-sectional drawing further illustrating the
exemplar embodiment of the hybrid scanner 100 depicted in FIG. 3A. In
this drawing, the optical assembly 245 is configured so that the mirror
305 is in a second position 375 (as shown in FIG. 3B) where it receives
images along a third image path 330 which extends from the mirror 305
through the customer facing window 300 to an area 350 where items are
presented to the hybrid scanner 100 for image capture and processing. An
example of an item is a customer identification document, such as a
driver's license. The handheld scanner 110 captures an image of the
license. If the license includes bar coded information, the information
is retrieved from the image. The information may include age information
that can be used to determine if the customer can purchase age-restricted
products such as beer or wine. The customer presents the identification
document to the hybrid scanner 100 by holding the document in the
depicted area 350. In some embodiments, the area 350 includes a shelf
with markings to identify the area 350.

[0050] In addition to documents, a customer can also present small items
for purchase by placing them in the area 350. For example, a pack of gum
for purchase is placed in the area 350 with the bar code facing the
hybrid scanner 100. An image of the pack of gum with its bar code follows
the image path 330 to the mirror 305 and is then directed to the handheld
scanner 110 where the image is captured and the bar code is read. The
item will then be added to the purchase transaction.

[0051] In other embodiments, the optical assembly 245 moves the mirror 305
to a third position (not shown). In this position, images of the
customer's face are directed to the handheld scanner 110 for capture and
storage. These images can also be processed to identify the customer.

[0052] The operator can direct the hybrid scanner 100 to move the mirror
305 to the second position 370 (depicted in FIG. 3B) by pressing the
first button 125. When the processor 210 detects that the first button
125 has been pressed, it commands the optical assembly 245 to move the
mirror 305 to the second position 375 where it receives images from the
customer facing window 300.

[0053] As depicted in this embodiment, the handheld scanner 110 receives
images from the first image path 310 through the bottom of the handheld
scanner 110. In other embodiments, the handheld scanner 110 receives
images through a different surface and the optical assembly 245 directs
images to the image capture device 360 using different image paths.

[0054] Some items available for purchase can not easily be presented to
the operator side of the hybrid scanner 100 for scanning of a bar code.
The items maybe too large, too heavy, fragile or just too inconvenient to
move. In these cases, the operator determines that the customer should
use the handheld scanner 110 to scan the one or more items. To release
the handheld scanner 110 from the cradle 315, the operator presses the
second button 140. When the processor 210 detects that the second button
140 has been pressed, it commands the solenoid 260 to retract the pin 340
and release the handheld scanner 110. The customer then removes the
handheld scanner 110 from the cradle 315 and scans the item by bring the
handheld scanner 110 close to and pointing it at a bar code on the item.
The handheld scanner 110 then captures an image of the bar code and
processes the image to read the bar code. In some embodiments, the image
is processed within the handheld scanner 110. In other embodiments, the
image is transmitted to the processor 210 for processing.

[0055] Turning to FIG. 4, there is provided a high-level drawing
illustrating an exemplar embodiment of a POS terminal 400. The POS
terminal 400 includes the hybrid scanner 100, an operator display 435, a
printer 440, a feed belt 420, a magnetic stripe reader and pin pad 460, a
cash drawer 445, a computer 485 and a bagging area 455. The patterns
depicted in the horizontal scanner window 135 represent a laser beam,
generated by the laser diode 225, being directed through the window 135
to scan the space above the window 135 for a bar code. The computer 485
controls or operates all the elements of the POS terminal 400 and
communicates with a store server (not shown).

[0056] In this example, an operator 410 is operating the POS terminal 400
and assisting a customer 405 by processing a purchase transaction. The
customer 405 placed an item 425 for purchase on the feed belt 420. The
operator 410 picks up the item 425 and moves it in a path 450 past the
hybrid scanner 100 so the bar code 430 is facing the operator facing side
of the hybrid scanner 100. The optical assembly 245 has placed the mirror
305 in the first position 370 and image of the bar code 430 is directed
to the handheld scanner 110 where it is captured and processed to read
the bar code 430. In addition, a laser beam from the bi-optic scanner 105
is directed across the bar code 430 and data from the reflected light is
captured and processed to also read the bar code 430. In this example,
the bar code 430 is successfully read by both the bi-optic scanner 105
and the handheld scanner 110. However, in some cases only one of the
scanners will successfully read a bar code. As long as one scanner can
read the bar code, the item will be successfully processed as part of the
purchase transaction.

[0057] The customer 405 also has a large item 475 in a shopping cart 470.
The operator 410 presses the second button 140 which causes the handheld
scanner 110 to be released. The customer 405 retrieves the handheld
scanner 110 from the cradle 315 and aims it at a bar code 480 on the
large item 475. The handheld scanner 110 captures an image of the bar
code 480 and reads the data associated with the bar code 480. The large
item 475 is then added to the purchase transaction. When the handheld
scanner 110 is returned to the cradle 315, the processor 210 commands the
optical assembly 245 to move the mirror 305 to the first position 370
(depicted in FIG. 3A) and commands the solenoid 260 to lock handheld
scanner 110 into the cradle 315. The processor 210 can determine the
handheld scanner 110 is in the cradle 315 by checking the status of the
battery charger 250.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a high-level flow chart depicting an exemplary method for
operating an assisted hybrid bar code scanner (the hybrid scanner). The
hybrid scanner 100 includes a handheld imaging scanner (handheld scanner)
110 and a fixed bi-optic laser scanner (the laser scanner) 105. The
hybrid scanner 100 uses both the handheld imaging scanner 110 and the
laser scanner 105 to read bar codes presented to the operator side of the
hybrid scanner 100 and just the handheld imaging scanner 110 to read bar
codes or capture images of items presented to the customer side of the
hybrid scanner 100. The hybrid scanner 100 uses the handheld imaging
scanner 110 to read bar codes on items not directly presented to the
hybrid scanner 100 for scanning by releasing the handheld imaging scanner
110 so it can be undocked by a customer and moved to the location of the
items for scanning. The scanned items are added to a purchase transaction
that is processed by the point of sale terminal 400.

[0059] The method starts in step 500 by configuring the optical assembly
245 to a first position 370. In the first position 370, the mirror 305 is
moved to the position depicted in FIG. 3A where images from the operator
side of the hybrid scanner 100 are directed along the second image path
345 to the handheld scanner 110 for capture. In step 505, the hybrid
scanner 100 receives a first image data of a first bar code presented to
the operator side of the hybrid scanner 100 from the handheld imaging
scanner 110.

[0060] In step 510, the hybrid scanner 100 receives first laser data from
the fixed laser scanner 105. The laser scanner 105 generates a laser beam
and directs it to an area above the horizontal scanner window 135 which
is on the operator side of the hybrid scanner 100. The first laser data
includes information indicating the amount of laser light reflected from
the first bar code as it is presented to the operator side of the hybrid
scanner 100 and as the laser beam is moved across the first bar code. The
handheld imaging scanner 110 and the laser scanner 105 captures their
respective data for the first bar code as the first bar code is moved
passed 450 the hybrid scanner 100.

[0061] In step 515, the hybrid scanner 100 reads the first bar code by
processing and decoding the first image data and first laser data. It is
possible to process both the first image data and first laser data and
have each data group produce a successful read the first bar code. It is
also possible that only one of the data groups will produce a successful
read of the first bar code. Only one successfully read is required.

[0062] In step 520, the hybrid scanner 100 configures the optical assembly
245 to a second position 375. In the second position, the mirror 305 is
moved to the position depicted in FIG. 3B where images from the customer
side 320 of the hybrid scanner 100 are directed along the third image
path 330 to the handheld scanner 110 for capture.

[0063] In step 525, the hybrid scanner 100 receives second image data from
the handheld imaging scanner 110. The second image data includes an image
of a second bar code which is presented to the location 350 on the
customer side of the hybrid scanner 110. In some embodiments, the second
bar code is on a document used to identify the customer instead of on an
item being presented for purchase. In step 530, the hybrid scanner 100
reads the second bar code by processing and decoding the second image
data.

[0064] In step 535, the hybrid scanner 100 receives third image data from
the handheld imaging scanner 110 after it is undocked from the hybrid
scanner 100. Undocking the handheld imaging scanner 110 allows the
customer 405 to move the handheld imaging scanner 100 to a location, away
from the hybrid scanner 100, and to scan a third bar code (e.g., FIG. 4,
480). In step 540, the hybrid scanner 100 reads the third bar code by
processing and decoding the third image data.

[0065] Although particular reference has been made to an embodiment that
includes a POS terminal and examples have been provided illustrating the
invention, certain other embodiments, variations and modifications are
also envisioned within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
Additionally, the examples using a hybrid bar code scanner can be
replaced with a hybrid optical code scanner having the ability to read a
wider variety of codes than just bar codes.